Dolphins Spotlight

2002 NFL DRAFT

April 20, 2002|By Mike Huguenin, Sentinel Staff Writer

TOTAL PICKS: 5 (no 1st- or 2nd-round picks; 1st selection is 90th, in the 3rd round).

NEEDS: TE, LB, G, OT, SS, DE.

THE BUZZ: The addition of RB Ricky Williams eases some of the pain of not having a first- or second-round pick. His acquisition fills the team's biggest need. New coordinator Norv Turner's offense makes use of a pass-catching tight end, and the good news for the Dolphins is that this draft is relatively deep in tight ends. "We're looking at tight ends; this is a good draft for tight ends," Coach Dave Wannstedt said. Other than tight end, it's unlikely the Dolphins can get a possible starter out of this draft. But depth will be important in the later rounds. Look for at least one offensive lineman to be drafted; the same goes for linebacker, despite this being a weak draft at that position. This is the first time in franchise history that the Dolphins won't pick until the third round.

QUOTE: "Nobody wants to call us [about a trade]. Last year at this time, I was talking to five head coaches and [general managers] every day. You know how many calls I've had this year? I've talked to nobody." -- Wannstedt on his team trying to move up in the draft.